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Particle Monitoring for Silica

As I pointed out in the Silica wiki page, most dust monitoring has traditionally occurred in occupational environments where the total dust exposure was assumed to be largely of the particles of concern. In a fenceline community, dust could be from any number of sources, so particulate characterization becomes key. Gross particulate measurements such as PM10(For an overview of particle monitoring terms, see the wiki) require correlation with Wind direction, local soil conditions, and a variety of factors. These correlations will require some sort of identification of silica.

There might also be an infrared method of analysis, detailed in this paper. I have to get it and read it:
Pandurangi, R. S.; Seehra, M. S.; Razzaboni, B. L.; Bolsaitis, P. (1990) Surface and bulk infrared modes of crystalline and amorphous silica particles: a study of the relation of surface structure to cytotoxicity of respirable silica. Environ. Health Perspect. 86: 327-336.

I got some big (4"x8") sheets from american science and surplus. I was going to see what happens when I put some silica dust down on a flatbed with one of those underneath. 3D glasses are cylindrically polarized and might not work right. we need linear polarization (which, incidentally, is the cheapest).